8-storey building collapses hours after it was evacuated

An eight-storey building collapsed in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh after heavy rains triggered a landslide on Thursday.

The Shimla municipal corporation had asked the families to vacate the property as soon as possible 15 days ago; however, some families insisted on staying as they did not believe warnings about potential collapse.

Officials said the building then had been totally evacuated only hours before it came crashing down to the ground in Shimla city.

Building collapses are common in India, especially during the monsoon season. Poor construction standards and dilapidated buildings are often blamed.

Agencies